"This project is a $40 million investment in the Massapequa community. Improvements such as a new platform, platform waiting room, escalator and elevator, along with the creation of a new pocket track, will tremendously enhance the quality of life for the many commuters who use the Massapequa station each day. I am pleased that we worked together with LIRR to secure funding for this much needed project," said Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick), Chairman of the Senate's Transportation Committee.

The rehabilitation project will include the following improvements:

• Replacement of the station platform and canopy

• New heated platform waiting room

• New escalator and elevator

• Rehabilitated staircases

• Replacement of the pedestrian walkway over Broadway

• Energy-efficient platform lighting

• New public address system

• Decorative granite wall adjacent to Ticket Office

• Improved signage

According to the LIRR, these station improvements will be conducted in multiple phases to ensure that train service can be maintained throughout the project for the 6,000 commuters who use the station each day. The LIRR states that the first phase will begin on May 29th, with all the improvements scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2015.

In addition, the LIRR will be adding a pocket track just east of the station to help improve train service. Once completed, the pocket track will allow the LIRR to operate more trains during weekday rush hour periods, as well as provide a location to start westbound trains into Penn Station and eventually to Grand Central Terminal once the East Side Access project is completed.

Funding for the project was included in the MTA’s capital program, which was approved by the State Legislature. Senator Fuschillo, Senator Hannon, Assemblyman McKevitt, and Assemblyman Saladino strongly supported the project’s inclusion in the capital program.

The LIRR will be providing additional information for commuters about the Massapequa Station rehabilitation project on its website, www.mta.info/lirr and at the Massapequa Station.